Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Custom Gutenberg Blocks with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)

Introduction

The Gutenberg block editor revolutionized the way we create content in WordPress. With the Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin, you can extend this functionality by creating custom blocks tailored to your needs. This guide will walk you through the process of creating custom Gutenberg blocks using ACF.

Why Use ACF for Custom Gutenberg Blocks?

ACF simplifies the process of adding custom fields to your WordPress site. By combining ACF with the Gutenberg block editor, you can create powerful, reusable blocks that enhance your site’s functionality and user experience.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• A WordPress site with the Gutenberg editor enabled.
• The Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin installed and activated.
• Basic knowledge of WordPress development and PHP.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Register the Custom Block

First, you need to register your custom block in your theme’s functions.php file. Use the acf_register_block_type() function:

function my_acf_init() {
    if( function_exists('acf_register_block_type') ) {
        acf_register_block_type(array(
            'name'              => 'example_block',
            'title'             => __('Example Block'),
            'description'       => __('A custom block created with ACF.'),
            'render_template'   => 'template-parts/blocks/example/example-block.php',
            'category'          => 'formatting',
            'icon'              => 'admin-comments',
            'keywords'          => array( 'example', 'custom' ),
        ));
    }
}
add_action('acf/init', 'my_acf_init');

2. Create the Block Template

Create a new template file for your block in your theme’s template-parts/blocks directory. For example, template-parts/blocks/example/example-block.php:

<div class="example-block">
    <h2><?php the_field('block_title'); ?></h2>
    <p><?php the_field('block_content'); ?></p>
</div>

3. Add Custom Fields

Go to the WordPress admin dashboard and navigate to Custom Fields > Add New. Create a new field group for your block, adding fields like “Block Title” and “Block Content.” Set the location rule to show this field group if the Block is equal to “Example Block.”

4. Style Your Block

Add custom CSS to style your block. Create a CSS file in your theme and enqueue it in your theme’s functions.php file:

function my_enqueue_styles() {
    wp_enqueue_style('example-block', get_template_directory_uri() . '/css/example-block.css', array(), '1.0.0');
}
add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', 'my_enqueue_styles');

5. Test Your Block

Go to the WordPress editor, add your custom block, and fill in the fields. Check the front end of your site to see your custom block in action.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create custom Gutenberg blocks using Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) to enhance your WordPress site’s functionality. Experiment with different field types and block designs to create unique content experiences for your users.